August is here, and that means it’s time for a round-up of new Toronto openings, and unfortunate business closings. While it’s wonderful to see new restaurants, cafes, and stores opening in our city, it’s definitely disheartening to see beloved spots shutter their doors for good. This month, it’s some of Toronto’s most loved spots that have closed, but here’s hoping that they’ll be back in some capacity.
See also: An Iconic Beauty Brand is Being Discontinued and the Deals are Insane >>>
Openings:
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen
If you haven’t checked out Michel Falcon’s newest spot, Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, you’re missing out. This Peruvian fusion restaurant features signature bowls and salads, all made by Chef Jose Louis. Brasa is located at 297 Campbell Avenue, and is open Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 9pm.
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Buca Osteria & Enoteca King Street
After a long wait, Buca Osteria & Enoteca on King Street is finally open and we couldn’t be more excited. The space is stunning and just wait until you see the patio. Expect to order all the menu faves that you already know and love — just in a new location!
Quadro Ristorante
Head to Little Italy to check out apparel mogul Joe Mimrans new restaurant that just opened in partnership with Tony Longo of Splendido and INK Entertainment Group. The menu is all about offering a sublime Italian experience through their selection of selection of pizzas, pastas, cocktails, and of course, wine!
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Bar Pompette
Over on College St. in Little Italy is new Bar Pompette, the extension of the Pompette restaurant that’s just a stone’s throw away. This new spot serves coffee, elevated snacks, and expertly crafted cocktails.
6ix Flow
Indoor fitness is back y’all and we couldn’t be more excited to share that brand new studio 6ix flow can finally open up. Owned and operated by the power duo behind 6ix Cycle, the Dundas West studio is focused on moving your body through a different type of flow by connecting your core. Sounds intense, right? You’ll be empowered by the heady mantras and loud music that keep you focused and moving.
Brasa Peruvian
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Escape to Peru through the delicious eats and flavours at Brasa Peruvian. The new spot is in the Wallace Emerson area of town and it’s a great place to go for healthy bowls and salads but with flair. Tuck into your meal on Brasa’s colourful patio and soak up that summer sun!
Wag Swag
Yorkville is definitely one of Toronto’s top shopping destinations, but did you know that there’s a new store in the area just for your fur baby? Wag Swag is a luxury vegan store that sells leashes, harnesses, collars, and all sorts of doggy apparel. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pet store though. It’s all made out of high quality vegan leather and produced right here in Canada and prices for leashes start at $56.
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Baroness
If you’re always in search of the best bubble tea, then you need to try Taipei’s finest, Baroness that just opened it’s first Toronto location. The chain is incredibly popular in Asia, and in Vancouver it’s known for the handmade brown sugar pearls and grass jelly. The spot is set to open on August 18 on Yonge St. near College.
Misty Bar
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One of Queen West’s newest spots is Misty Bar and it’s a great place to grab a bite and sip a delicious cocktail. The restaurant focuses on offering an exciting menu that includes dishes like New Zealand rack of lamb, fresh-made pasta, coconut shrimp, and of course, great sliders.
German Doner Kebab
Famous for their doner kebabs, this will be the brand’s third Canadian location. German Doner Kebab is coming to Toronto, and it’s set to open on August 3rd where Cafe Crepe on Queen at John used to be. The chain serves up kebabs that are made using premium, succulent meats and fresh local vegetables. It’s all served in handmade toasted bread as well as GDK’s signature sauces.
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Gia
Former owner of TO hotspot Ufficio, Jennifer Coburn has revamped the restaurant’s space and blessed us with Gia which just recently opened in July. The plant-forward restaurant features a selection of mouthwatering plates of pasta, plant proteins and local veg.
Closing:
By CHLOE.
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Vegan hotspot situated in Yorkdale Shopping Centre By CHLOE has officially closed for good. The chain, super popular in the U.S and the U.K has cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason behind the closure. The restaurant has started to undergo a rebrand in the U.S with locations being renamed Beatnic.
Ufficio
While we’re thrilled that Ufficio owner Jennifer Coburn has opened Gia, we were still sad to learn that Dundas West’s Ufficio would be closed for good. Known for their Italian twist on seafood, the restaurant wanted to focus on what was more authentic to them so that’s why it’s transformed into a fully plant-forward eatery.
Barsa Taberna
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Say it isn’t so! Beloved Toronto tapas joint Barsa Taberna has sadly closed for good. After 7 years, the Market Street restaurant announced on July 6 that they would shutter but revealed that a new concept and restaurant that will be coming soon.
Featured Image: Uber Eats